2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid recalls and problems

The 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has 2 safety recalls and 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
110
Crashes / fires
14 / 2
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid recalls

Recall 13V-396: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Sep 4, 2013 · 133,081 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.

Risk: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.

Recall 11V-342: Electrical System

Reported Jun 29, 2011 · 82,273 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 highlander hybrid and lexus rx400h passenger cars manufactured from february 16, 2005, through august 30, 2006. A module inside the inverter module may contain inadequately soldered transistors that during high-load driving, may be damaged by heat caused by the large current. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.

Risk: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota/lexus mailed an interim owner notification on july 19, 2011 to advise owners of this recall and the fact that they will receive a future notice when parts become available to complete repairs. Toyota dealers will inspect the hybrid inverter production number to determine whether the inverter contains suspect transistors and replace the module free of charge. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System28
Service Brakes28
Vehicle Speed Control15
Hybrid Propulsion System14
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)10
Engine8
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Service Brakes, Electric5
Power Train4
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Wheels3

Most reported parts

  • Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter — 12
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 1
  • Suspension › Front — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 105,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Air · at 96,153 miles · reported Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a drained battery. The dealer determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an ABS actuator malfunction, and the ABS actuator was replaced. The failure recurred and the ABS actuator was replaced a second time. The contact stated that the brake pedal needed to…
Engine · at 196,000 miles · reported Jan 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact’s son stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) · at 210,000 miles · reported Jul 24, 2019
I replaced my brakes after several warning lights and codes kept popping up on my dash. Had the rotors turned. But when I returned to driving my car after I thought it was fixed the brakes would all of a sudden just go out the hydraulic part would go completely to the floor. The car would make a high pitched noise and then no brakes. Took it to toyota in clinton tn. Said my ABS brake actuator was failing. Would cost me 2200 dollars to fix. This certain part on your car is supposed to last you a lifetime. I dont have money like that now it was take me a lifetime to save up for the repairs. Very…
Electrical System · at 171,908 miles · reported Jul 20, 2019
Vsc light came on and the car would not drive. Towed to toyota and had it diagnosed. The poa80, p3020 hv battery inoperative/shorted. The vehicle was in motion on the highway when it happened.
Service Brakes · at 155,000 miles · reported May 13, 2019
The ABS brake modulator began exhibiting very loud and continuous pumping/priming sounds for several weeks. During this time period upon hard braking the brake system would fail to respond immediately - there was a delay between the instant the brake pedal was depressed, and when the brakes were actually engaged to slow the vehicle. Today, all the instrument warning lights illuminated, including: master warning light, brake warning light, electronically controlled brake warning, anti-lock brake system, and slip indicator. All this indicates a failure of the ABS brake modular component. Toyota…

Other Toyota Highlander Hybrid years

Compare all Toyota Highlander Hybrid years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 13V-396 (hybrid propulsion system), 11V-342 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (28 reports), followed by service brakes (28). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 105,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.